I am delighted that Nigel’s contribution to vocational education has been recognised. As a former apprentice, he has always been passionate about the difference vocational education can make, both to the learner and to a business. A UKCES Commissioner since 2009, he has galvanised employers to strengthen workforce skills.

He also leads work to develop occupational standards and champion employer investment in skills, including establishing large scale industrial partnerships and other networks of employers.

As skills ambassador in his company and sector he supports employer engagement in skills and helps reform the vocational qualifications system and apprenticeships. This has included supporting the development of the new Apprenticeship Trailblazer Standards so that they improve skills for the UK economy.